Pfizer/BioNTech licensed their vaccine to a Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer, the government didn't approve it: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021

Pfizer/BioNTech licensed their vaccine to a Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer, the government didn't approve it: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-12/billionaire-s-bet-on-pfizer-vaccine-for-china-fails-to-pay-off https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-12/billionai... That's not quite what you describe, but they could have poured resources into manufacturing the licensed vaccine instead of outright blocking its use.